NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (September 20, 2019) — The fall season is upon us and as the weather cools a bit, people will be headed outside to enjoy the many fall activities the Hudson Valley affords. It will be prime time for activities such as biking, hiking, leaf-peeping, trick-or-treating, yardwork and preparing for colder temperatures. Mobile Life Support Services, the largest emergency provider in the Hudson Valley, shares safety tips and advice for residents to keep in mind this fall.
Biking
Cycling in the fall means combatting issues with rain. Stay dry and warm with rain gear and waterproof shoes. Be careful of slick spots on the road, as well as any fallen leaves, and avoid puddles that disguise potholes. Other suggestions include:
- Wear layers to adjust to the changing temperatures and conditions.
- Use glasses or protective lenses, or even a helmet with a visor, to avoid blowing leaves or debris.
- Fall roads are dirtier, so maintain a clean bike chain to avoid breakdowns on the road.
- Avoid numbness in your hands with the colder weather by wearing gloves.
Hiking
Fall hikers need to be careful of changing temperatures and weather conditions during the season. Dress in layers to handle various weather conditions and temperatures and wear hiking boots. Also, consider these ideas:
- Know when the fall hunting season begins and ends. Wear bright clothing (orange, red or bright green) and hike in a no-hunting area.
- Be prepared for the shorter daylight hours and plan your trip with the knowledge that you will need to return from your hike earlier.
- Take the proper precautions, such as wearing clothing that covers arms and legs and using a repellant, to ward off ticks that potentially carry Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses.
- Stay hydrated and nourished at all times; it’s easier than you think to become dehydrated, even in cooler temperatures.
- Hike with a buddy, and keep a fully-charged cell phone and compass on you at all times.
Driving
During the fall, drivers should take extra precautions as it gets darker earlier each evening and Daylight Savings Time starts on the first Sunday in November.
- When headed out on a leaf-peeping adventure to take in the beautiful foliage or other day trips, watch for deer and be sure to stop and pull over to admire the scenery and snap photos.
- Wet leaves on the roadways can be just as slippery as ice. Be careful not to hit your brakes when driving over leaves.
- Dim your dashboard to reduce glare and distraction.
- Keep your windshield and headlights clean at all times to allow for optimal visibility.
Yardwork
To avoid injury when handling the various yardwork activities that come with autumn (such as raking, chopping wood and bagging leaves), there are a few safety precautions to consider, including proper stretching and warmup to reduce the risk of injury. Other suggestions include:
- Wear shoes with good foot and arch support.
- Bend at the knees, not the waist when picking up bagged leaves, grass or chopped wood, to prevent back strain.
- Stand up straight and keep your head up while raking or mowing.
- Do not twist your body during strenuous activity.
- Wear a hat, shoes, ear protection and protective glasses and gloves (if you have allergies or asthma, also consider wearing a mask) while mowing and doing yardwork.
- Switch sides of your body when using heavy equipment to balance the strain
- Drink lots of water before and after your work.
- Use a DEET insect repellant to ward off ticks and remove plants that attract deer.
Home
Soon enough, it will be time to turn on your heat. Most experts recommend an annual cleaning and service of your furnace and make sure there are no items within close proximity to your furnace, to prevent a possible fire. Additionally, change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when the clocks go back to ensure that they are fully charged and working properly. Other tips include:
- Leave items at least three feet away from space heaters to prevent a fire.
- Add outdoor lighting to any dark spaces to avoid falling and other mishaps when going outside early in the morning or later in the day.
- Clean leaves out of your gutters to prevent clogging, which could cause a very messy situation. If cleaning the gutters yourself, have someone stand at the bottom of the ladder to provide a brace.
- Inspect any chimneys for buildup and/or necessary repairs to ensure that smoke and fireplace debris do not back up into your home.
To learn more about Mobile Life, visit www.mobilelife.com. Individuals interested in employment opportunities with Mobile Life should visit the company’s website to submit an application or inquire about educational opportunities to become certified.
About Mobile Life Support Services, Inc.
Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. is a New York State Certified Advanced Life Support paramedic ambulance company that provides emergency services to communities and healthcare facilities throughout the Hudson Valley Region of New York State, including the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester. Founded in 1981 by Rick and Gayle Metzger, Mobile Life is composed of more than 500 EMS professionals across the region and operates a fleet of more than 60 ambulances and 26 stations. With a collective population of more than 1,000,000 residents, Mobile Life handles approximately 100,000 calls per year. For more information, visit www.mobilelife.com.
